The future of country music is here. For decades, country music has been framed through a narrow lens, but today, a new wave of Black artists is redefining the genre. These trailblazers are pushing the boundaries of conventional country music with fresh sounds, diverse heritages, and powerful storytelling. In this article, we’ll spotlight five voices who are reshaping the genre.
Shaboozey
Born in Woodbridge, Virginia, Shaboozey is a Nigerian-American artist who has taken the music industry by storm with his unique blend of country, hip-hop, and Americana. He’s best known for hits like Start a Riot and A Bar Song (Tipsy), which tied the record for the longest-running number one on the Billboard Hot 100. His collaborations with Beyoncé on Cowboy Carter cemented him as a rising influence in contemporary country music.
Shaboozey showcases his versatility in his music by incorporating genres from his heritage into his country sound. He’s been widely praised for honoring his ancestry while simultaneously creating a fresh hybrid sound. Even his stage moniker reflects this: the Igbo moniker, “Chibueze,” means “God is king.”
Shaboozey’s music draws from country icons like Kenny Rogers and Garth Brooks, as well as R&B and hip-hop influences. Outside of music, he founded V Picture Films to support mid-Atlantic talent and has revealed a passion for storytelling. He has been a central figure in redefining country music, paving the way for other Black artists to push the envelope.
Tanner Adell
Tanner Adell is a rising star in the music industry, gaining fame for her “glam-country” style. She started making waves with her viral track Buckle Bunny and, like Shaboozey, was featured on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter.
Adell’s music combines country with pop and hip-hop styles, blending her ethnic background with her upbringing between California and Star Valley, Wyoming. Adell’s personal life — namely, her adoption and the recent discovery of her biological family’s history — deeply influences her songwriting, and she has always been very open with her audience about her circumstances.
Adell initially dyed her hair blonde as a way to connect with her birth mother, who wore a similar hairstyle, and it has since become Adell’s signature look. Adell uses songwriting to process her grief and reach out to others facing similar difficulties. Her song Going Blonde is a deeply personal ballad where she wonders about her birth mother. Adell has carved out a unique space for herself in the contemporary country music space, and her debut album promises a mix of emotional storytelling and upbeat tracks.
Mickey Guyton
Born in Arlington, Texas, Mickey Guyton is a trailblazer for Black artists in country music. Guyton’s journey has spanned from singing in church choirs to performing the national anthem at Super Bowl LVI.
Guyton often utilizes her music as a platform to discuss difficult social issues. Her debut album, Remember Her Name, tackles issues of sexism and racism and describes experiences she faced in Nashville. Her sophomore album, House on Fire, further showed her commitment to including social commentary in her music.
Her single Black Like Me, which led her to be the first Black female Grammy-nominated country artist, was created in the wake of the BLM movement. The song included many of her experiences as a Black woman in country music. Guyton was initially warned by industry professionals that she would be unsuccessful if she went outside the boundaries of traditional country music and covered “taboo” topics. However, she ultimately chose to write music that reflected her best and her struggles as a Black woman.
Reyna Roberts
Reyna Roberts has established herself as a dynamic force in contemporary country music. Her debut single, Stompin’ Grounds, showcased her powerful vocals and energetic style. Roberts’ music is influenced by a diverse range of genres, blending country with classic rock and pop.
Roberts was obsessed with music from a young age. Because her parents were both in the military, she spent her childhood moving around. Still, her passion for music stayed constant, and she began honing her skills at age eight when she learned to play the piano. Roberts’ passion for music eventually evolved into the creation of her unique brand of country music.
With her feature on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter, Roberts established herself as a rising star in the country genre. She has also featured many times on the NFL’s Monday Night Football. Roberts is an avid advocate for recognizing Black contributions to country music, acknowledging artists like Lesley Riddle.
The War and Treaty
The War and Treaty, composed of husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, are known for their soulful blend of country, gospel, and R&B. They have received critical acclaim for their debut album, Healing Tide, and their major label debut, Lover’s Game. Their collaboration with Zach Bryan on Hey Driver reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing them as groundbreaking figures in the music industry.
In 2023, The War and Treaty became the first Black duo to be nominated for the Country Music Association Award for Duo of the Year, as well as the Academy of Country Music Award for Duo of the Year. Their music has been praised for resonating with audiences across genres for its catchy sound and seamless blend of genres.
By honoring their cultural roots, drawing from their experiences, and blending widely-loved genres, these Black artists are inspiring listeners and musicians around the world. The genre of country music is evolving, and it’s never sounded better.
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